2017 Heitz Cellar "Martha's Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

From the legendary Martha’s Vineyards at the base of the Mayacamas in Western Oakville near To Kalon. It is a lovely, harmonious, richly textured wine with plushness and decadence that remains impressively light. Leads with dark berry flavours, savoury brown spices, bright plummy notes, dark chocolate shavings and mint. Further complexities emerge of ironstone and charcuterie. Medium- to full-bodied with rich black cherry and spiced plum fruit, intermixed with sweet earthen hummus notes, tobacco, and leather. Pops of wild herbs carry through the finish, underscored by soft, almost powdery tannins and bright acid tension. There’s a special quality in the air around Martha’s Vineyard because of the towering Eucalyptus trees along the eastern parameter where the Martha’s Vineyard clone takes on some of those minty notes. (JC)